- Check-in online for your flight before you arrive at the airport. Airlines allow you to do this up to 24-hours in advance as long as you have your confirmation number and of course your name!
- If you need to check a bag, pay the baggage fee online before you get to the airport. Many airlines offer the ability to pay your fee by credit card via there website. This cuts down on the amount of time you spend at the ticket counter dropping off your checked bag with airline personnel.
- Give yourself sufficient amount of time to arrive at the airport pre-flight. If you wait until the very last minute to depart for the airport, chances are Murphy will rear his ugly head and slow down your journey! For MDT, we recommend you show up at least 75 minutes prior to your flight departure time.
- Know your flight number and the airline you're flying with before you depart for the airport. In the event that your flight is delayed, or your flight experiences a gate-change, you'll have the pertinent information to assist in tracking these changes.
- Check your flight status before you depart for the airport! The best means to do this is directly with your airline via their website, phone or by signing up for flight tracking alerts which can be emailed or text messaged to you directly.
- Pack your carry-on luggage appropriately. Be sure that you've followed the Transportation Security Administration's guidelines for packing carry-on luggage BEFORE you get to the airport. Review their website, www.tsa.dhs.gov for the full details.
- Be prepared for the worst, but expect the best. Air travel is subject to weather, mechanical and other types of delays and cancellations - so be prepared. And, keep your airlines 800# and ticket counter location close-at-hand in case you get to the airport and find out that you need to re-book your flight.
What tips and tricks for speedier check-in do you use that we've missed? We'd love to hear what works best for you!
